Shinde Camp

Nestled on a lush palm island at the edge of a lagoon in the Okavango Delta, Shinde Camp is ideally situated for year-round land and water based activities. To explore the magic of Botswana’s famed waterways, motorboat in the morning while the early light dazzles, then follow with a game drive in the afternoon or vice versa, the choice is yours! The guides will advise on the best opportunities to see wildlife each day. For example, if cheetahs or a pack of wild dogs is spotted, opt for a game drive. If not, you can always return to the water for a mokoro or simply relax and enjoy sundowners. It’s a complete experience!

The waterways offer a prime opportunity to admire the robust aquatic ecosystem that’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodile and hippo. Spot the rare Sitatunga (“aquatic antelopes”) or the occasional elephant. Back on land, the private reserve teems with wildlife. Game drives and bush walks offer abundant chances to encounter animals of all shapes and sizes. Birdwatching and fishing are just a few other ways to pass the time. Plus, the pool is a great place to relax in the heat of the day.

While the wildlife steals the show, the camp is not to be ignored. Consisting of 8 tents, Shinde offers classic charm and comfort. The common area is designed like a treehouse with a multi-tiered outdoor dining area and boma, all shaded by sweeping ebony and mangosteen trees. The library is small but cozy and a great place to curl up with a book or a drink (or both!). The tents themselves include expansive ensuite facilities. The outdoor decks open onto the vast floodplains.

Shinde Enclave is technically an exclusive camp within a camp but it’s located at the edge of Shinde Camp’s property. The Enclave offers the ultimate in personal service and an uber private experience. With a private dining and boma area, a private chef, waiter, and housekeeper as well as a professional guide and game drive vehicle, it doesn’t get more personal than the Enclave. This is the perfect setup for a family or group of friends traveling together.

Whether you choose Shinde Camp or Shinde Enclave, consider a night or two at Footsteps Camp before (also part of the Ker & Downey portfolio). Footsteps is 45 mins to an hour and a half drive from Shinde (depending on the rains). Recommended: Start at Footsteps and end at Shinde. Footsteps camp consists of 3 Meru-style tents with twin beds. The camp itself is rustic but offers a remote and exciting safari experience that is a return to real safari – eating food cooked over an open flame and bucket showers. The two programs offered are “Footsteps Across the Delta”, a walking safari, and “Young Explorers”, a special family safari. For families with children, 2 nights Young Explorers at Footsteps followed by 3 nights at Shinde Enclave is the perfect combination for the adventurous safari-goers. Keep an eye out for the “cheeky” male elephant that frequents camp to eat the fruit from the trees overhead!